West Valley among 3 districts interested in authorizing charter schools

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SEATTLE (AP) - Three Washington school districts have announced plans to apply to become charter school authorizers.

They have until Dec. 31 to complete their applications to the State Board of Education if they decide to go ahead with the idea.

Earlier this year, the Spokane School District became the first district to gain authorizer approval from the state board.

The districts that have expressed interest in the second round are Tacoma, Highline and West Valley School District in Yakima. Tacoma and Highline were on the original list of districts that expressed interest in becoming authorizers for their districts, but neither went on to turn in an application.

A statewide panel called the Washington Charter School Commission also can approve charter schools in any part of the state.

The first of these new public schools are expected to open in fall 2014.